Interchangeable applicator for topical agents

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses an applicator system comprising a handle, and an applicator removably attached to the handle via an adaptor hole, where an adaptor nipple is centrally located on the applicator, the adaptor nipple being capable of removably connecting to the adaptor hole. An interchangeable topical agent applicator kit comprises an applicator, a handle, a screen, a spreader, and a lid. Further disclosed is a method for interchangeably reusing a topical applicator, comprising removing an applicator from a handle, cleaning the applicator, reattaching the applicator on the handle, and loading the applicator with a topical agent.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a related application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. D/340,802 filed on Jul. 26, 2009, issued as U.S. Pat. No. D614806.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to topical skin lotion applicators, in particular, systems and methods to apply cream, lotion, or other topical agents to the body or back.

2. Description of the Related Art

Historically, a wide variety of lotion applicator devices have been developed. Some highlights illustrating a range of such devices include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,922,425, 3,455,638, 4,396,028, 4,964,744, 5,573,342, 5,566,418, 5,846,011, 6,247,862, 6,126,352, 7,234,239, 7,422,575, D271049, D342342, D355726, D417930, D566330, D614806, and U.S. Pat. App. Publication Nos. 2005/0013648 and 2005/0180807.

However, lotion applicator devices in the related art consistently do not have interchangeable parts designed for cleaning and reuse as well as adaptable components for varying types of topical agents.

It can be seen, then, that there is a need in the art for a topical applicator which can be adaptable to lotions, creams, or other topical agents. Further, it can be seen that there is a need for an interchangeable applicator that can be reused to minimize waste. Moreover, it can be seen that there is a need in the art, when having to apply different types of topical agents, to have convenient, appropriate tools at one's disposal. Furthermore, it can be seen that there is a need in the art to avoid placing topical agents in portions which are not easy to clean, such as the inside of an elongated handle. Finally, it can be seen that there is a need to address any combination of the above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention discloses an applicator system comprising a handle, and an applicator removably attached to the handle via an adaptor hole, where an adaptor nipple is centrally located on the applicator, the adaptor nipple being capable of removably connecting to the adaptor hole. An interchangeable topical agent applicator kit comprises an applicator, a handle, a screen, a spreader, and a lid. Further disclosed is a method for interchangeably reusing a topical applicator, comprising removing an applicator from a handle, cleaning the applicator, reattaching the applicator on the handle, and loading the applicator with a topical agent.

The description of the preferred embodiments is to be understood as non-limiting examples of the present invention. The true scope of the invention is to be understood by the claims and not limited by the preferred embodiments.

An object of the present invention is to provide a reusable lotion applicator system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a kit with interchangeable components for applying different topicals, including but not limited to creams, lotions, oils, whether medicinal or non-medicinal in whole or in part.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide easily cleanable components that can be broken down and reassembled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 is an overall view of a possible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an overall view of a possible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an open lid view of a possible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view of a removed adaptor of a possible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a method diagram of a possible embodiment the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a possible embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a possible embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

References throughout the specification to “a possible embodiment,” “a preferred embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “an embodiment,” and like reference to “embodiment” are non-limiting examples to aid in understanding an element, function, way, result, means, structure, aspect, and/or benefit of the present invention. An “embodiment” provides that there is one or more embodiments that can involve the given element or aspect of the invention. Thus, multiple instances of “an embodiment” and like reference do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Specifics of the Invention

As an initial point of reference, FIG. 5 shows an overall kit embodiment; FIGS. 1-4 show various aspects of possible variations of the present invention. The present invention can be, but need not be, presented in the form of a kit with interchangeable parts.

FIG. 1 is an overall view of a possible embodiment of the present invention.

Handle 100 can be an elongated portion, hollow or non-hollow, made of plastic, wood, synthetic material, metal, glass, rubber, or any material with substantial durability. In some possible embodiments, can have adaptor hole 400 that removably attaches to applicator 102 via adaptor nipple 402. In some possible embodiments, handle 100 can connect to applicator 102. By way of non-limiting illustration, handle 100 can be 16″ long, 1.5″ wide, and 1.5″ thick. Handle 100 can be rounded, cylindrical, rectangular block, tapered, irregular, or any shape. Handle 100 can have scratcher 502 on the end opposite applicator 102 to facilitate back-scratching. In some possible embodiments, topical agent 300 can be placed within in hollowed handle 100 to flow through applicator 102. However, in most preferred embodiments, there can be an absence of any topical agent 300 in handle 100. Thus, interchangeability can be facilitated via different applicators 102. By limiting topical agents 300 to applicator 102, this can reduce or eliminate the need to clean the inside of handle 100. The outside of handle 100 can of course be cleaned between sessions, for a new recipient. In some possible embodiments, applicator 102 can be a pliable plastic material. This can facilitate application of topical agent 300 to be pressurized so as to flow through holes.

Applicator 102 can have adaptor nipple 402 that attaches to handle 100. Applicator 102 can thus be interchangeable with other applicators on the same handle 100. In most preferred embodiments, applicator 102 firmly attaches to handle 100 to allow sustained use without detaching handle 100 from applicator 102, for example, via adaptor hole 400 in handle 100. In some possible embodiments, topical agent 300 can be held within a containing area within or upon applicator 102 (FIG. 3), which can be closed with lid 104 and allowing topical agent 300 to be cleaned out, replenished or changed by opening lid 104. Applicator 102 can have a depth to allow topical agent 300 to be placed therein. Applicator 102 can removably attach to handle 100. In a preferred embodiment, applicator 102 can be 1.5″ wide, 3.5″ to 4″ long, and 0.25″ to 0.75″ deep. In some possible embodiments, applicator 102 can comprise adaptor nipple 402 that can be removably attached via adaptor hole 400. Applicator 102 can have a removable lid 104 which allows removal and replacement of lid 104 with holes 106, and interchangeability with a different lid 104 without holes 106. In some possible embodiments, when applying topical agent 300 as a cream, lid 104 can be without holes 106. Cream can be spread with spreader 504 onto applicator 102, instead of being placed within applicator 102. Applicator 102 can be made of inert material, including but not limited to: plastic, glass, wood, metal, synthetic material, transparent or non-transparent. Applicator 102 can have adaptor nipple 402 that firmly attaches into handle 100. Applicator 102 can have lid 104. Lid 104 can be removable to allow lotion to be containable by applicator 102. Lid 104 can have holes 106. Lid 104 can be attached to applicator 102. A possible embodiment with applicator 102 and lid 104 having holes 106 is shown in FIG. 1. Applicator 102 can have a means for adapting to handle 100, which can be supported by any of the structures described herein. Applicator 102 can be attached to lid 104. Applicator 102 can be used to apply topical agent 300. In some embodiments, applicator 102 can comprise screen 200. In embodiments where applicator 102 and screen 200 are formed as one piece, applicator 102 can be very porous. Applicators 102 can receive creams via spreader 504. In some preferred embodiments, applicator 102 can be 3.5″ to 4″ long, 1″ wide, and 0.25″ to 0.75″ deep. In some possible embodiments, applicator 102 can have lid 104 with holes 106 which can allow topical agent 300 to flow through holes 106. In most preferred embodiments, multiple applicators 102 in kit 500 can be uniform in length.

Lid 104 can provide a removable cover on applicator 102. Lid 104 can be attached or removed to open applicator 102, and thus add prepare different topical agents 300 for application. There can be a plurality of lids 104 in kit 500. In most preferred embodiments, lid 104 can be removable from and onto applicator 102. A possible embodiment can have lid 104 with no holes 106. This can be used for creams. In some embodiments, to apply creams, lid 104 can be attached to applicator 102. Cream can be spread onto applicator 102 with spreader 504. In some embodiments lid 104 can be placed on applicator 102, and lid 104 can be non-permeable. In some preferred embodiments, lid 104 can be a separate movable cover which lightly removably snaps onto applicator 102. By way of non-limiting illustration, cream or other topical agent can be applied to lid 104, then applied on the back or skin. In most preferred embodiments, lid 104 with or without holes 106, can be uniform in length. In some preferred embodiments, attachments such as lid 104 can be 1″ wide, 3.5″ to 4″ in length, and 0.25″ thick. In a possible embodiment, there can be multiple lids 104 in kit 500, for example, one lid 104 with holes 106 for lotions, another lid 104 without holes 106 for creams, and additional lids 104 for other various topical agents. In a possible embodiment, lid 104 can be an attachment for lotions. In a possible embodiment, lid 104 can have holes 106 to allow lotions to flow to applicator 102. In some embodiments, lid 104 can be very porous. Lid 104 can be used to apply topical agents with lower density than most lotions, by way of non-limiting illustration, some mixtures, creams or oils. In some embodiments, lid 104 with no holes 106, can be attached to applicator 102. In some possible embodiments, lid 104 can be opened and closed with applicator 102. Many structures can allow lid 104 to be removable from applicator 102, which can include, by way of non-limiting illustration: hinge, groove, ridge, hook 204 and string 202 (string 202 can be a loop), sliding door, grooved rotating nozzle, structure can support repositioning lid. In most preferred embodiments, lid 104 can be a removable and replaceable cover for applicator 102, such that lid 104 can be easily cleaned and reused.

Holes 106 can vary in size on lid 104 for topical agents 300 to flow through. In a preferred embodiment where holes 106 are present on lid 104, topical agent 300 can be lotion. In some preferred embodiments where lid 104 has screen 200 attached thereto. In some preferred embodiments, lid 104 can have plurality of holes 106 therethrough (FIGS. 1 and 3).

Applicator device 108 is generally referred to as a whole.

Neck 110 (FIG. 7) is optional. Neck 110 can be an intermediary between applicator 102 and handle 100. Neck 110 can be formed at an angle other than handle 100. Neck 110 can be removably attachable, by way of non-limiting illustration, by a screw. One of ordinary skill in the art would know how to incorporate neck 110. In some possible embodiments, neck 110 can be a distinct interchangeable component other than handle 100 and applicator 102. In some possible embodiments, neck 110 can be formed as part of applicator 102. In some possible embodiments, neck 110 can be formed as part of handle 100. In some possible embodiments, neck 110 can have an adaptor rather than handle 100, a non-limiting illustration of which can be adaptor hole 400 or adaptor nipple 402.

FIG. 2 is an overall view of a possible embodiment of the present invention.

Screen 200 can be made of a porous material, by way of non-limiting illustration, woven, pliable plastic, rubber, foam, sponge, any material having at least a plurality of pores, or any combination thereof now known or equivalent, synthetic or non-synthetic. There can be a plurality of screens 200 in kit 500. Screen 200 can cover lid 104. Alternatively, screen 200 can cover applicator 102 without lid 104. In some possible embodiments, screen 200 can be removably attached via pair of strings 202 on screen 200, where pair of strings 202 can be tied to pair of hooks 204 on applicator 102. In some embodiments, screen 200 can be adhered to lid 104. In some embodiments, screen 200 can be hooked onto lid 104 via pair of hooks 204. In a possible embodiment, screen 200 can be woven, and pair of strings 202 can also be woven, or of the same material. Screen 200 need not be present on all applicators 102. Screen 200 can attach to applicator 102 via pair of strings 202. Applicator 102 can attach to hooks 204.

String 202 can be attached to screen 200. In most preferred embodiments, there can be a pair of strings 202. Pair of strings 200 can be at opposite ends of screen 200. Pair of strings 202 can be loops (FIG. 4) rather than loose untied strings. Pair of strings 202 can be adhered to, stitched to, affixed to, looped through, or formed with screen 200 or lid 104. Pair of strings 202 can be any pliable material, by way of non-limiting illustration: coated or uncoated wire, hair, string, plastic, rubber, or any other pliable material, synthetic or non-synthetic. In some possible embodiments, pair of strings 202 can be coated with durable material resistant to corrosion, but pliable so as to allow easy fastening with pair of hooks 204. In some possible embodiments, a nipple and hole combination can be used.

Hook 204 can be present on applicator 102. There can be pair of hooks 204 can be attached to applicator to allow connection with screen 200 via pair of strings 202.

FIG. 3 is an open lid view of a possible embodiment of the present invention.

Topical agent 300 is shown in FIG. 3 with handle 100, applicator 102, lid 104, and applicator device 108.

Lid 104, not shown in FIG. 3, can be removable with applicator 102.

Topical agent 300 can refer to, by way of non-limiting illustration: lotion, cream, oil, gel, organic mixture, herbal mixture, medicine, pharmaceutical preparation, or any agent designed for application to a being's skin, or any combination thereof, whether medicinal or non-medicinal. Topical agent 300 may not be purely localized on a person's skin. Topical agent 300 can be applied to the back, body, skin, or any part of a being's anatomy. Topical agent 300 can be applied via applicator 102. In some possible embodiments, topical agent 300 can be spread onto applicator 102 rather than placed within applicator 102 under lid 104. In some possible embodiments, topical agent 300 can be a lotion placed within applicator 102 beneath removable lid 104. When applying topical agent 300, lid 104 can be attached with holes 106. In some preferred embodiments where topical agent 300 is lotion, topical agent 300 can flow out lid 104 via holes 106, e.g., FIG. 1. In some possible embodiments, prior to applying to a recipient of topical agent 300, topical agent 300 can be applied on screen 200 rather than applicator 102. In some possible embodiments, topical agent 300 can be a cream, and topical agent 300 as cream can be placed on screen 200.

FIG. 4 is a view of a removed adaptor of a possible embodiment of the present invention.

Adaptor hole 400 can be a connecting receiving space for adaptor nipple 402. In some preferred embodiments, adaptor hole 400 is preferably on handle 100. However, adaptor hole 400 can instead be on applicator 102 with adaptor nipple 402 on handle 100. A benefit handle 100 and applicator 102 can be to facilitate connectivity between handle 100 and applicator 102 and to provide interchangeability of applicator 102 thereto.

Adaptor nipple 402 can allow a removable connection with adaptor hole 400. Adaptor nipple 402 can be fitted to removably fixably attached to adaptor hole 400.

Ridge 404 can be provided on nipple 402. By way of non-limiting illustration, ridge 404 and adaptor nipple 402 can be made of a pliable plastic material so as to allow flexibility in removably attaching applicator to handle 100 or neck 110. There can be a plurality of ridges 404.

FIG. 5 is an overall kit view of possible embodiment of the present invention.

Kit 500 can be a collection of interchangeable parts. By way of non-limiting illustration, kit 500 can have multiple applicators 102 per each kit 500 to apply various topical agents 300. In some preferred embodiments, kit 500 can have two applicators 102, two lids 104 with holes 106, two lids 114 for creams without holes 106, ten screens 200 and ten spreaders 504. In some possible embodiments, kit 500 can include various topical agents 300. Kit 500 may comprise any combination of elements described in this specification. In some preferred embodiments, no topical agents 300 are present.

Scratcher 502 can be an extension resembling a fork, hand, curve, fingers, fist, preferably having a muted or smoothed surface to reduce abrasion. Scratcher 502 can be attached to handle 100. Scratcher 502 can be curved, straight, irregular, or any shape at least having an angle or a shape different than handle 100. Scratcher 502 can be used for convenience, by way of non-limiting illustration, for light tactile contact with the back or places which can be reached more easily via the extended length of handle 100. Applicator 102 can therefore also be used to reach places on the body, or on another's body, via handle 100 with applicator 102. In some embodiments, scratcher 502 can be replaced by, or be concurrently supplemented with, a massaging portion on handle 100.

Spreader 504 can be a surface allowing spreading of lotion, cream, or oil onto applicator 102, applicator 102, lid 104 or 114, screen 200, or anything attached thereto.

By way of non-limiting illustration, spreader 504 can be 1.5″ long, 0.25″ wide, and 0.25″ thick. There can be a plurality of spreaders 504 in kit 500.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method diagram of a preferred embodiment the present invention.

A method for interchangeably reusing an applicator kit 500 can use applicator 102. A possible embodiment can be: remove applicator 600, clean applicator 602, load applicator 604, reposition lid 606, reattach applicator 608, apply new topical agent 610.

Remove applicator 600 can refer to detaching applicator 102 from handle 100. In some possible embodiments, removing applicator 600 can refer to adaptor nipple 402 being reattachable or permanently withdrawn from adaptor hole 400. Adaptor hole 400 and adaptor nipple 402 demonstrate one non-limiting example to illustrate removing applicator 600.

Clean applicator 602 can include, by way of non-limiting illustration: brushing, wiping with damp, wet, or dry cloth, spilling out, spraying, washing, immersing in fluid, heating, or removing material from applicator 102, or any combination thereof, thus allowing applicator 102 to be reused. Clean applicator 602 can affect topical agent 300 in or upon applicator 102, handle 100, or any part of applicator device 108 in general. In some possible embodiments, handle 100 can be reused with a different applicator 102. Subsequent drying of applicator 102 can be performed. A benefit is to provide sanitation and separation of topical agents 300. By way of non-limiting illustration, in medical environments, cleaning 602 can include sanitizing applicator 102.

Load applicator 604 can refer to placing a quantity of topical agent 300 on applicator 102 to be used. In some possible embodiments. In some possible embodiments, spreader 504 can be used to apply topical agent 300 on applicator 102. Further, by way of non-limiting illustration, spreader 504 can preferably be used for creams rather than lotions.

Reposition lid 606 can refer to placing lid 104 over applicator 102. In some possible embodiments where topical agent 300 loaded 604 was lotion, lid 104 can be placed onto, fitted with, removably attached to, hinged with, or fixably attached to applicator 102. In some possible embodiments, screen 200 can be repositioned by reattaching pair of strings 202 with pair of hooks 204.

Reattach applicator 608 can refer to attaching a different applicator 102 or applicator 102 which was cleaned 602. Handle 100 can therefore be reused. In some embodiments where screen 200 is used, an old screen 200 can be replaced with new screen 200. For example, kit 500 can provide additional screens 200. A benefit of replacing applicator 608 can be to reduce or eliminate waste, for example, allowing reuse of applicator device 108. Another benefit can be to allow interchangeability with one or more applicators 102 for a new topical agent 300. A subsequent topical agent 300 can be applied to the same or different recipient.

Apply topical agent 610 can refer to applying topical agent 300 to a person via applicator 102. Apply topical agent 610 can refer to applying a subsequent topical agent 300 not previously used.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded side view of a possible embodiment of the present invention. Neck 110 is shown in FIG. 7, with handle 100, applicator 102, hook 204, adaptor hole 400, adaptor nipple 402, and ridge 404.

FIG. 8 illustrates a collapsed side view of a possible embodiment of the present invention. Absence of neck 110 is shown in FIG. 8, with handle 100, applicator 102, and lid 104 without holes 106, and hook 204. Unlike in FIG. 7, neck 110 need not be present. Applicator 102 can have varying shapes and sizes.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the present invention provides an interchangeable adaptor-based kit for applying lotion or cream to the back and body. The present invention also discloses an applicator kit comprising a plurality of screens, a plurality of spreaders, a first lid with no holes, and a second lid with a plurality of holes therethrough, the second lid being capable of flowing a topical agent through the plurality of holes. Further, the present invention discloses a method for interchangeably reusing a topical applicator, comprising removing an applicator from a handle, cleaning the applicator, replacing the applicator on the handle, and loading the applicator with a topical agent. 

1. An applicator system for topical agents comprising: a handle; and an applicator removably attached to the handle via an adaptor hole, where an adaptor nipple is centrally located on the applicator, the adaptor nipple being capable of removably connecting to the adaptor hole.
 2. the system of claim 1, further comprising a screen having a pair of strings attached to opposite ends of the screen, wherein the screen covers the applicator.
 3. the system of claim 2, where the applicator further comprises a pair of hooks at opposite ends of the applicator.
 4. the system of claim 3, where the pair of strings adhere to the ends of the screen, where the pair of strings are removably attachable to the pair of hooks.
 5. the system of claim 4, where the pair of strings form a pair of loops.
 6. the system of claim 1, where the handle is not hollow.
 7. the system of claim 1, where a back scratcher is attached to the handle opposite the applicator.
 8. the system of claim 1, where a topical agent is placed within the applicator under a lid, the lid having a plurality of holes to allow the topical agent to flow through the plurality of holes.
 9. the system of claim 1, where a second lid with no holes is capable of replacing the lid having the plurality of holes on the applicator.
 10. An interchangeable topical agent applicator kit, comprising: an applicator; a handle; a screen; a spreader; and a lid.
 11. the applicator kit of claim 10, where the lid is removably attachable to the applicator.
 12. the applicator kit of claim 11, where a topical agent is spread upon the lid via the spreader.
 13. the applicator kit of claim 11, further comprising: a second lid with a plurality of holes therethrough.
 14. the applicator kit of claim 11, where the second lid is capable of flowing a topical agent through the plurality of holes.
 15. the applicator kit of claim 11, further comprising a second applicator; a plurality of screens; and a plurality of spreaders.
 16. A method for reusing an applicator for topical agents, comprising: removing an applicator from a handle; cleaning the applicator; reattaching the applicator on the handle; and loading the applicator with a topical agent.
 17. the method of claim 16, further comprising removing a lid prior to loading the applicator, the lid having a plurality of holes.
 18. the method of claim 16, further comprising removing a lid prior to loading the applicator, the lid having no holes.
 19. the method of claim 18, further comprising replacing the lid with a second lid, the second lid having a hole. 